Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 122

Cordelia sat slumped at her desk, now changed into her cozy pajamas. Elbows planted firmly on the wood, she cradled her smartphone in her hands, awaiting a reply from the members of her social group chat.

Since yesterday, the question had been gnawing at her, who exactly was Everard? Even Sanderson, the guy who knew everyone in town, didn’t recognize the name. Could it be that Everard was a ghost, a figment of her Imagination?

This morning’s chat in the Pioneers Group sparked a realization, the group was a melting pot of professionals from various fields. Surely someone might know him, right?

But after she posted her question, the chat fell eerily silent.

After a torturous two–minute wait, a reply finally popped up.

Bland asked, [Lia, are you pulling our leg? How could you not know him?]

Cordelia blinked, her instincts telling her that Bland knew Everard. She typed back hastily, [Who is he?]

Silence fell over the group once again.

Just as she was about to probe further, another message came through.

Nolnterruptions said, [Never heard of him.]

Like an icebreaker, the message prompted a flurry of responses.

Pianoman said, [Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.]

Mathster replied, [A mystery to me.]

Painter said, [Who?]

Chef replied, [Not a clue.]

Others all replied, [No idea.]

Everyone chimed in except Louie Adams. Cordelia’s brow furrowed as she read the stream of ignorance, finally addressing Bland directly, [So, you’re the one who knows him, @Bland?]

Bland replied, [No, I definitely do not.]

confused, texting. [?]

been a brain fart. Got the name

speechless,

and nobody knew him?

before echoing Painter’s earlier message – [If anyone digs up anything about him, I’d appreciate a heads up. Thanks.]

“The Periodic Table” that she’d borrowed from her grandmother. The technical jargon was almost alien

pages with

high school education was comprehensive and had even self–studied some college material,

down on her

until 11:30 PM when Lorna brought her a cup of milk and honey. “Get some sleep, dear. You have to rest to regain energy,” Lorna

to good advice, nodded in agreement.

new message popped up on her

asked. [Lia, why are you

a moment before

No way. Is

do you know him?]

before sending back a cryptic message:

distance? They hadn’t even been

replying. I can’t stay away from

was waxing poetic about love, just as Lorna and Sanderson would.

she could decide, Louie replied, [Why?]

moment’s thought, she responded: [Because

Louie went silent.

another ten minutes, but still no message. Was there

I know. I’ll see your granddad about

He

have called him immediately, but Cordelia was patient by nature. If Louie said tomorrow, she would wait.

typed a single word –

into bed. Just as she was about to turn off the device,

screen, recognizing Everard’s number. What could he want at this late

she answered, and a familiar voice, more velvety than she remembered,

seemed different in the nocturnal stillness, somehow more appealing. She hesitated before

sleep,” he stated, his voice so soothing it seemed to caress the night air.